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England's Fabio Wardley is expected to be elevated to heavyweight title holder after Usyk opted to give up his championship belt

This situation arises after Ukrainian fighter told boxing authorities he would not proceed with a mandatory title defence against his mandatory opponent

Official Announcement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his belt after deep reflection"

The Ukrainian maintains the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles, having beaten his British opponent at the national stadium in July to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion

He first became the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the required opponent

"WBO president the WBO leader described Usyk as exceptional in a announcement"

"The organization offers its deep appreciation and respect to Oleksandr Usyk, an perfect record holder across weight classes"

"His achievements mark one of the most impressive and memorable of the contemporary boxing period"

The organization continued that its institution will continue to support Usyk and his team"

Title Reign

Usyk won the WBO belt in two years ago by beating the British star and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the boxing organization mandated talks for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a champion's back problem to force the postponement of the bout

Wardley's Rise

But the 30-year-old British fighter, took the interim title from his opponent with a significant shock in the later stages at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the September deadline

The boxing organization hasn't formally announced the British fighter's elevation but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a formality

"Britain has a fresh boxing champion and a rising boxing talent"

"One of the most incredible stories throughout my decades as a sports manager and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for the coming period as he defends his WBO belt and builds his reputation in the sport"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, coming through the unlicensed white-collar scene and has had only 21 pro bouts

Future Prospects

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the weight class
• Usyk's decision to relinquish the title opens new opportunities for other contenders
• The boxing world now awaits official confirmation from the boxing organization
• The British fighter's journey from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many